Things Fall Apart: Tradition and Change

One of the key themes of Things Fall Apart is the idea of tradition vs. change. Sometimes change is a good thing and sometimes it is not. There are many traditions we value and want to hold onto and pass on to our children and there are others that become lost.

For this assignment, you and a few group members (your groups cannot be smaller than two or larger than five) will read and answer questions about a modern day example of this theme in order to relate it to our reading of the novel.

FIRST:
Choose your group and sit together. You can each work on your own computer or you can share one.

SECOND:
Go to the Sparknotes.com page for Things Fall Apart and read their description of this theme and how it relates to the novel.

Sparknotes: Themes in Things Fall Apart

THIRD:
In your group, think of a modern-day issue that has recently been in the news that has something to do with tradition, change, resistance to change, etc. For example, here is an article about the worst men's grooming trends of all time. Trends come and go, so that is about change! (Do not choose this topic, that was an example).

FOURTH:
Using a REPUTABLE news source, find an article about your issue. Try these sites:

CNN
BBC
USA TODAY
The Wall Street Journal

FIFTH:
Read the article.

SIXTH:
Using ONE of your online email accounts, sign in and open a blank email. Type all of your names in the subject line. Then, in the body of the email, put a link to the article and then answer the following questions. You do not have to include the questions - just be sure to number your answers.

QUESTIONS:
1. What is the title of the article? Who wrote it?
2. What website did you get it from?
3. What is the issue? How is it about change, tradition, resistance to change, etc.?
4. Briefly summarize the article.
5. Does the article take a side on the issue of tradition vs. change or not? Explain. (For example, is it trying to get us the change something?)
6. Where do YOU stand on the issue? Do you agree or disagree with the article? Include evidence (such as a quote) from the article to support your answer.

SEVENTH:
Cite your article as you would in an MLA Works Cited page. Include this at the bottom of your email. For tips on how to do this, visit the Owl at Purdue website:

The OWL at Purdue: MLA Works Cited (Scroll down to "An Article in a Web Magazine")

Here is a sample:

EIGHTH:
Send the email to:

naylor_lori@ausd.us

You are done!

If you finish early, please sign out and turn off your computer(s). You may then do work from another class or read. Please be sure to collect all your belongings and push in your chair before you leave.

This assignment is DUE TODAY!

Example: